For most of the year, Wimbledon is a quiet corner of south-west London. But for two weeks each summer, the world’s attention turns to SW19 as the neighbourhood welcomes the biggest names in tennis and thousands of fans for The Championships.
Every shopfront, pub window and cafe is transformed with displays of tennis balls, rackets and the tournament’s iconic green and purple colours. And it’s pubs fill with spectators sipping Pimm’s and watching every rally unfold on big screens.
For many local businesses, the annual window displays have become a tradition as much a part of Wimbledon as strawberries and cream.
Hannah Syke, 32, is a London-based window and mural painter who has been decorating shop windows in Wimbledon for the past four years. Last week, she was painting the window of an estate agent in Wimbledon Village.
After a storm earlier this week damaged part of the artwork, Hannah returned to touch up the display.
“We came up with the idea that all the tennis balls were coming to get the big berry of Wimbledon,” says Hannah.
“They had the idea that SW19 is ‘berry’ desirable, so that’s why they’re trying to get the big berry. It’s a little hint to the houses around the area.”
Hannah has been painting murals for six years and says she always enjoys the atmosphere around Wimbledon during the Championships.
“I absolutely love it. Some of [the painters] are my friends, so it’s really nice to see them when we’re all working. We like to chat and give each other ideas. It’s nice that everyone gets involved.”
Charity shops also embrace the Championships, creating displays using whatever has been donated. Simon, 53, works at Shelter in Wimbledon Village and has been dressing the charity shop’s windows for the tournament for years.
This year, he created a display inspired by Novak Djokovic and his nickname, “The Joker”. Using only donated items, Simon gave the window a Batman theme, transforming second-hand goods into a playful tribute to the seven-time Wimbledon champion.
“Every year we make a big effort, but it depends on what is donated,” says Simon.
“We have to rely on what we have, but the charity shops tend to do quite good decorations for Wimbledon.
“The decorations on the high street are looking good. It took a while to get going, but now all of the shops are really taking it on, which they do every year,” he adds.
For residents, the decorations signal the arrival of one of the busiest and most exciting weeks of the year. Eva Castanedo, 23, is a Wimbledon local and avid tennis fan who says the Championships transform the area every summer.
“I look forward to Wimbledon every year, and the decorations really create a great atmosphere,” says Eva.
“All the pubs are full, the screens are up, and Wimbledon is just bustling.”
For the next fortnight, the streets of Wimbledon will be at their best. And while only one player will lift the trophy, the whole village is serving up its own winning display.
Watch the video below to find out more:
Featured image credit: Photo by Amy Wild.
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